Algae Producing Liver Damage In Half Of Taiwan's Reservoirs

[hatrack]

"A harmful algae that can cause liver damage in humans has appeared in half of the nation's 27 reservoirs, the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) said yesterday. This "green scum" produces the peptide toxin microcystin, which, when ingested in concentration, causes liver damage and can be a major drinking water contaminant.

EPA officials, however, stressed that the algae is only toxic after it dies and the amount of blue-green algae observed in the water so far has been minimal. "The public has no need to panic over the safety level of the water despite the latest monitoring results," they said.

The officials said that the administration worked with National Taiwan University in February to test for microcystis, commonly known as "reservoir killers," in reservoirs around Taiwan. Fourteen showed signs of the algae. Seven reservoirs in Kinmen and Matsu also have microcystis and Feitsui and Hsinshan reservoirs have the algae, although the amount is small.

The officials said the reservoirs in Kinmen and Matsu are confined by their natural environment. The resevoirs are small and their accumulated waters are more stagnant, making them susceptible to being contaminated by pollution from farmland and household waste water and rain, which is a prime breeding ground for microcystis."

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http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/04/06/2003249330